FN FNX 9mm Review

[plouffedaddy]

I've liked FN firearms since I was in basic training and first got the opportunity to get behind what may be my favorite gun of all time––-the M240B. Unfortunately, I can't have one of those in my personal collection so I've been collecting their handguns, rifles, and shotguns ever since. FNH makes great military and civilian firearms and I haven't been disappointed in any of them thus far.

The FNX line of pistols are decedents from the Browning PRO guns. Sales of the Browning Pro were disappointing so FN rebranded the pistols the FNH FNP and sold them under the FN name. Sales still were lower than expected so they 'improved' upon the original design and released the FNX (more on that in the video).

FNX9 Pros:

-Accuracy (in SA mode, this gun is extremely easy to shoot accurately)
-Reliability (I've never had a malfunction of any kind with this firearm)
-Durability (cold hammer forged barrel, stainless slide, ect...)
-MIL-STD 1913 rail for lights and accessories
-Ambidextrous controls
-Comes with 3 magazines
-4 interchangeable backstraps
-Aftermarket support (holsters, parts, ect...) are availible
-Safety acts as a decocker as well
-US made

FNX9 Cons:

-The position/size of the safety/decocker rubs my thumb (and the thumb of others that have tried it) when firing high round counts
-Mag lockup is suspect. I've never had an issue with it but it doesn't inspire confidence either

Here's a video with some shooting, table top review with disassembly/assembly and size comparison with other popular pistols, and some chronograph testing.

FNX Review Video

Chronograph Tests:
Hornady 147gr TAP JHP: 985 fps, 317 ft/lbs energy
Federal HST 124gr JHP: 1102 fps, 334 ft/lbs energy
Federal HST 124gr +p JHP: 1127 fps, 350 ft/lbs energy
Winchester Ranger 115gr JHP: 1100 fps, 309 ft/lbs energy
Remington UMC 115gr JHP: 1113 fps, 316 ft/lbs energy

 

[harmon rabb]

try shooting it in DA once it's hot. there's a known problem with this. mine has it. need to send it back to FN.

 

[gunnutery]

I've never fired one, but I dry fired one at a LGS. I was very impressed by the trigger and how smooth it was.

What's the problem with it being "hot" in DA?

 

[Fishbed77]

I *almost* purchased an FNX-9 a while back, but couldn't warm up to the grip. The ergonomics of everything seemed slightly off. The safety/decocker, for example, needs to be moved up about 1/2", and the grip itself seemed just a tad too short (my pinky fell into an uncomfortable spot at the top of the magazine baseplate). I also wasn't terribly impressed by the texture/quality of the polymer parts (lots of plastic mold flash).

I got my DA/SA polymer pistols kicks with a Walther P99AS. Once I got it, I never looked back. For about the same price, the Walther is just in a different league in terms of ergonomics, trigger, and fit & finish. It's also much easier to find accessories for.

The FN FNP series were a stellar buy when they could be found for around $400. Now that the FNP/FNX prices have crept closed to $600, erm.... not so much. They are still really nice pistols, but there are a lot of great competitors at that price point.

 

[atomd]

I like the FNP/X series of pistols. I don't own one anymore because there's a couple things I don't like too. The trigger is good for the type of gun it is (polymer frame service pistol). My gripes are $40-$50 magazines, slide peening (not a huge deal but I don't like it), and the polymer they use is kind of soft. My gun got holster wear on the frame (one part actually completely smoothed out the texture). I like the USG setup the best...very versatile. The magazine insert angle thing kind of bugs me on the FNX so I'd probably opt for another FNP USG model if I got another one.

 

[dcarch]

I had the "heated DA malfunction" myself. Here's my story, from July 1, 2011: "So, I've had an FNP 40 for about 6 months now, put under 500 rds through it, love the gun, accurate, ergonomic, etc.
The problem: So I take it out to the range, pull the DA trigger all the way back to the point where it can't move because it's against the frame, and it refuses to go off. To be honest, I expect a whole lot more from an FN. I have had no issues in SA mode. I'm a 1911 guy, and while I can detail strip my 1911, I don't have a clue as to the workings of the FNP series of pistols, and I don't know exactly what the problem is with this gun. I image it's a trigger assembly issue, but I'm at a loss here. If anybody could tell me a simple fix before I send it back to FN, I'd appreciate it. Thanks, all."

And here's a link to the thread I posted this in: http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=601118&highlight=trouble+almost+new+FNP

They did resolve the issue and fix the gun after about three months. That amount of time doesn't really bother me, so long as they make it right, but just figured I'd put that out there.

 

[plouffedaddy]

I've never had that issue and I've shot it when it was hot Maybe they fixed it with later models?

I had a bad magazine for my FNP 45 Tactical and sent it in for it to be exchanged---took about 3 months as well but they sent a new one so I'm not complaining.

 

[dcarch]

Hey, I just call 'em as they happen. I haven't seen it since, so you may be right. Does kinda sour me on FN's QC, though.

 

[plouffedaddy]

Hey, I just call 'em as they happen

Same here. Believe me, FN isn't giving me a dime! (FN---if you're reading this, I'll take a dime )

 

[StrikeFire83]

Nice review/video.

Has anyone got their hands on an FNS? There was a lot of ruckus surrounding these around the time of the SHOT Show, and then nothing.

 

[RBid]

StrikeFire,

I have molested...*cough*... sorry... handled a couple of FNS, and have dry fired them about 20 or so times. Based on the buzz after Shot Show, I expected the trigger to be comparable to a PPQ or Caracal trigger. Ehhhhh. Honestly, it was good. I'd rate it slightly better than an XDm trigger. I prefer the SA trigger pull of the FNX, and even the trigger on my SR9c.

The FNS seemed like a good pistol, but I would sooner buy the FNX.

 

[StrikeFire83]

^Thanks. It seems like FN releases a gun and then does an absolutely TERRIBLE job of promoting it.

 

[RBid]

StrikeFire,

I could not agree more. Honestly, I wonder if they realize (or care?) what they're missing in sales. The FNX and FNS are strong competitors at the price point-- especially with 3 mags in the box. They could be selling quite a few more of these.

I know they get a lot of their money from military contracts and such, but it would certainly be a money maker for them if they'd promote these pistols.

 

[nwilliams]

My everyday carry gun is an FNX-9 and I absolutely love it.

It's an accurate, reliable, the trigger is quite decent and I like being able to carry cocked and locked like a 1911. As others have pointed out it's also a great value for the money considering you get three mags included and a really nice case. I actually feel a little sorry for the poor FNP/FNX and now FNS because they are brilliant guns but they just don't seem to get the respect they deserve.